Which broker is better for Lebanon traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When choosing a forex broker in Lebanon, traders need platforms that offer reliable deposit options, fair pricing, and access to global markets despite local banking challenges. EasyMarkets and FXTM are two well-known brokers used by Lebanon retail traders. EasyMarkets, founded in 2001, is known for its fixed spreads, negative balance protection, and user-friendly trading tools. FXTM (ForexTime), established in 2011, offers variable spreads, a wider range of instruments, and multiple account types to suit different trading styles. Both brokers accept Lebanon clients and support key local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. However, their regulatory frameworks, cost structures, and platform features differ significantly. This comparison focuses on helping Lebanon traders decide which broker aligns better with their trading needs, considering local factors like exchange rate volatility and limited banking options. We'll evaluate spreads, deposit/withdrawal processes, Islamic accounts, customer support, and overall credibility for the Lebanon market.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 | FXTM |
For Lebanon traders, trading costs directly impact profitability. FXTM offers lower variable spreads starting from 0.0 pips on ECN accounts (with a small commission) and around 1.2 pips on standard accounts for EUR/USD. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads averaging 1–2 pips on majors, which can be more expensive for frequent traders. On a monthly volume of $50,000, FXTM could save a Lebanon trader $30–$50 in spread costs compared to EasyMarkets. However, EasyMarkets' fixed spreads protect against market volatility spikes common during Lebanon economic announcements. FXTM also charges a small inactivity fee after 6 months, while EasyMarkets does not. For cost-conscious traders making several trades per day, FXTM's lower spread structure is generally more favorable.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Lebanon (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:3000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are widely used by Lebanon traders. EasyMarkets also provides its proprietary web platform with simplified risk management features like dealCancellation (allows cancelling losing trades within a day) and free guaranteed stop-loss orders. FXTM offers a wider selection: MT4, MT5, and a proprietary FXTM Trader app for mobile. For Lebanon traders with low internet bandwidth, FXTM’s platforms are optimised for stable performance. EasyMarkets’ proprietary platform is intuitive for beginners but lacks advanced charting tools. Both brokers support mobile trading for on-the-go access from Beirut or other cities. Overall, FXTM provides more platform flexibility, while EasyMarkets adds unique safety tools.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution speed matters for Lebanon traders dealing with volatile currency pairs like EUR/USD or USD/TRY. FXTM uses advanced technology with No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution on ECN accounts, delivering orders in under 0.1 seconds with minimal requotes. EasyMarkets employs a market maker model with fixed spreads, which can lead to slightly slower execution (0.3‑0.5 seconds) but with guaranteed stop-loss orders. For scalping or high-frequency trading, FXTM’s faster execution and variable spreads give it a clear advantage. For swing traders, EasyMarkets’ execution is sufficient.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Lebanon traders since the local financial regulator does not directly supervise foreign brokers. EasyMarkets is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), offering client fund segregation and negative balance protection. FXTM holds multiple licenses including CySEC, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Mauritius. This multi-regulatory framework gives FXTM a higher score (4.3 vs 3.4). For Lebanon traders, the FCA license ensures robust protection under UK rules, while CySEC coverage is standard for European brokers. Both brokers provide compensation schemes (ICF for CySEC, FSCS for FCA clients) but these may not apply directly to Lebanon residents. Nevertheless, stronger regulation adds trustworthiness, especially for larger deposits.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Depositing and withdrawing funds as a Lebanon trader can be challenging due to local banking restrictions and currency controls. Both EasyMarkets and FXTM accommodate Lebanon users with Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets requires a minimum deposit of $100 via bank or e-wallet, and $50 via USDT TRC20, with no deposit fees. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 days and are free. FXTM offers a lower entry: $10 via Skrill/Neteller, $50 via bank, and also supports USDT TRC20 with instant processing. FXTM charges no deposit fees but may apply withdrawal fees for frequent requests (over 5/month). For Lebanon traders, USDT TRC20 is especially valuable because it bypasses bank delays and offers near-instant settlement. Skrill and Neteller are also popular for their speed. Bank transfers can take up to 5 business days and may involve intermediary bank charges. Both brokers allow withdrawals back to the same method used for deposit.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Many Lebanon traders are Muslim and require swap-free (Islamic) accounts that comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying overnight interest. EasyMarkets offers Islamic accounts on all its account types after a simple request. There is no extra cost, but some instruments like cryptocurrencies may not be available. FXTM also provides Islamic accounts on Standard and ECN accounts, with a request form to activate swap-free status. FXTM’s Islamic accounts maintain the same spreads and commissions as regular accounts. For Lebanon traders, both brokers are accommodating, but FXTM has a slight edge because of its larger selection of instruments available on Islamic accounts. EasyMarkets’ Islamic accounts include the dealCancellation feature which is permissible under most interpretations. Always confirm with the broker before trading.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Customer support is vital for Lebanon traders, especially when dealing with time-sensitive deposits or technical issues. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support in English and Arabic. FXTM also provides 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated account managers for VIP clients. Both brokers have Arabic-speaking teams available during market hours. FXTM’s response times are slightly faster, with live chat usually connecting within 30 seconds. EasyMarkets has a helpful knowledge base but lacks a local Lebanon phone number. For immediate assistance, FXTM is more reliable.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose FXTM if you...
For Lebanon traders, FXTM scores higher overall (4.3 vs 3.4) due to its tighter spreads, more flexible account types, faster execution, and stronger regulatory framework. However, EasyMarkets remains a solid choice for beginners who value fixed costs and risk management features like dealCancellation. Both brokers support local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits easy despite Lebanon's banking hurdles. When it comes to Islamic accounts, both provide adequate options, but FXTM offers a bigger instrument range. The local financial regulator in Lebanon does not regulate these brokers, so traders should rely on international licenses—FXTM’s FCA regulation gives it an extra layer of trust. Ultimately, if you prioritize low costs and execution speed, choose FXTM. If you want simplicity and fixed spreads, EasyMarkets is a viable alternative. Consider your trading style and volume when making your final decision.